How to Prevent Acrylic Sculptures from Turning Yellow

A common problem with acrylic is that after carving it, the edges tend to yellow. This book shares tips on selecting materials, operating techniques and maintenance methods to prevent this yellowing from the start and extend the life of your work.The book covers topics such as preventing acrylic from yellowing, maintaining the edges of acrylic, and preventing oxidation in carving materials. It is a practical book that is suitable for those who enjoy handicrafts.

Why does the edge of acrylic easily turn yellow?

The edges of acrylics tend to turn yellow after carving. This is usually related to the quality of the material, the temperature at which it is processed, and subsequent care.For example, if the wood is of poor quality or if it is carved at too high a temperature, it can oxidize and change color.The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can cause the edges to age prematurely, turning yellow and becoming dirty-looking.

Preventing yellowing starts with selecting the raw materials.

Choose the right kind of board.

Choose acrylic sheeting made with "new" material, and don't try to save money by using recycled material.The recycled material is more likely to oxidize after carving.You can ask the store to provide UV- or anti-aging-treated wood, which has built-in anti-yellowing properties.

Checking the thickness of the wood.

Thin boards (under 3 mm) dissipate heat poorly and are prone to localized overheating.If you are carving fine patterns, it is recommended that you use a board with a thickness of 5mm or more, as it will heat more evenly and it will be less likely to turn yellow.

The key to controlling the process of carving.

Do not set the laser power too high.

Many people think that the higher the power, the faster the carving. In fact, if the laser power is too high, the acrylic will carbonize.First they tested the scraps to find the lowest power that would clearly etch the pattern.For example, a 40-watt laser can be used at 60-70 percent of its power.

Keep the area ventilated and cool.

When doing carving, you can use a fan to blow away the dust, or install an exhaust pipe.The timely dissipation of heat can reduce the problem of color change caused by high temperatures.If the carving is done by hand, the craftsman stops every 10 minutes to let the material cool down.

Maintenance techniques.

Don't be lazy when polishing the edges.

After the carving is complete, the edges are lightly sanded with 800-grit sandpaper to remove any oxidized surface material.Then the edges are polished quickly with a flame polisher, which makes the surface smoother and reduces the amount of surface area exposed to the oxygen.

Avoid direct sunlight.

Do not leave finished products in the window or out in the open for long periods.If the product must be used outdoors, it can be coated with a layer of ultraviolet protection.The clear lacquer sold in hardware stores is quite effective; a thin coat will last half a year.

Regular cleaning Do not touch with oil.

Wipe the surface with an alcohol-soaked swab once a month to prevent the oxidation of fingerprints and grease.Never use dishwashing liquid or soapy water, because the alkaline content can make acrylics cloudy and yellow.

Special emergency plan.

If the edges are slightly yellow, don't throw it away! Use toothpaste and a soft cloth to rub in a circle, and then use a polishing compound.If the yellowing is severe, you can cut off 1-2 mm from the edges and re-polish them, which is like doing a second "face lift.